Hugley Reinstated to Pitt Basketball Program
PITTSBURGH – Freshman John Hugley has been reinstated to the Pitt Basketball program school officials announced Thursday afternoon. Hugley will begin summer school Monday, May 17 and is available to participate in all team activities.
Always a part of the team. Now ready to get back in the gym.
🔗 https://t.co/Ur9oq8sPlZ#ZooEra l #H2P
— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_MBB) May 13, 2021
“John is grateful for the opportunity to return to the University of Pittsburgh and continue to be a member of our program,” said head coach Jeff Capel. “The past five months have been challenging for him and have forced him to grow and mature. We have stayed in constant contact with him throughout and although he was not here physically with us he has always been a part of our team. We are proud of the way he has handled himself to recover from the mistakes he made. John has taken ownership of his actions, remained committed to his academics and focused on his individual growth outside of basketball. We look forward to his full return to the University of Pittsburgh and the opportunity to continue to mentor a young man with a bright future.”
The 6-9, 240-pound forward out of Cleveland averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in seven contests last season before being suspended on Jan. 15 . He scored a season-high nine points in a road win over Miami and added seven points and seven rebounds against Louisville in his final two games of the season.
Pittsburgh has struck out on big men so far this offseason but got great news with the return of freshman center John Hugley. @hoopsnut351 looks at the impact he’s set to have for the Panthers.https://t.co/4K8J5B88gy
— Busting Brackets (@BustingBrackets) May 14, 2021
“I am excited to be back at the University of Pittsburgh to continue my education on and off the court,” said Hugley. “The love and support I received from Coach Capel, the coaching staff and my teammates provided me with the strength to grow throughout the past five months. I cannot thank [Director of Athletics] Heather Lyke enough for her guidance, leadership and support as well. The way everyone at Pitt has stood by me has only grown my love for the university and the people here. Pitt is a special place, with great people and all the resources to be successful. I am really looking forward to being back and becoming a valued member of the campus community.”
With Hughley back in the fold for the 2021-22 season, Pitt has 11 players under scholarship including the backcourt trio of Ithiel Horton (8.9 ppg. – 43 3FG), Nike Sibande (6.9 ppg. – .436 3FG PCT) and Femi Odukale (6.6 ppg., 2.5 rpg., 2.2 apg.). The Panthers also bring back promising sophomores William Jeffress, Noah Collier and Max Amadasun along with transfers Dan Oladapo (12.9 ppg., 8.8 rpg.), Jamarius Burton (4.3 ppg., 1.3 apg.), JUCO product Chris Payton (12.5 ppg., 10.0 rpg.) and prep school standout Nate Santos.
(Story and Information courtesy of Pitt Athletics)